The USF Bulls 15-10 (8-4) are back home as they take on Villnova for the second time this season. Nova, 11-13 (4-8) is just 1-7 on the road this season and struggling a bit to find consistent scoring and rebounding inside the paint area.
In the first game between the two teams, USF won 74 to 57. The Bulls were able to outrebound the Wildcats 38 to 26 as their front line size and length frustrated Jay Wright and team. Jawanza Poland had 20 points and Blake Nash had 12 points and 6 assists to spark the second half run that put USF ahead for good. Let's see if they can do it again (game starts at 7PM at the Forum).
Nova is led by sophomore guard Maalik Wayns (6-2 185-pounds). He is averaging 17.9 points per game, 4 rebounds per game, 4.5 assists per game, and has 21 steals on the season showing his quick hands (he is dealing with a recent knee sprain that could limit his minutes in the game). Sophomore guard Dominic Cheek (6-6 185-pounds) is averaging 12.6 points per game, 4 rebounds per game and leads the team with 23 steals on the season, so the Bulls have to watch for his defensive skills.
Sophomore forward/center Mouphtu Yarou (6-10 250-pounds) is averaging 11.4 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game, and leads the team with 13 blocks in the paint. Freshman forward JayVaughn Pinkston (6-7 260-pounds) is averaging 9.7 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game. Freshman guard James Bell (6-5 225-pounds) is averaging 7.7 points per game and 4.1 rebounds per game. Freshman guard Darren Holliard (6-6 205-pounds) is averaging 5.6 points per game and 2.7 rebounds per game as well.
USF will need to rely on their size inside the paint to control the boards and get easy buckets inside and put pressure on the Wildcats inside. Nova can outshoot anyone from beyond the arch, but if the Bulls are able to control the pace, go inside, and avoid turnovers, they should be able to capture a strong win.
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